Monthly Archives: September 2012

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MSAA is very proud to present our 2012 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

September Artist of the Month:

Sheanean Chorette – Beggs, OK

“I was diagnosed a year ago with MS by doctor number 26. I knew something was wrong and it wasn’t just ‘in my head.’ I am strong and determined. My favorite word is ‘HOPE.’ I am a 42 year old wife and mother of 3. I have one grandson.

My love for art reaches back into my childhood. I was a doodler, always doodling on my papers at school. I am self-taught and have improved over time with practice and patience with myself. I teach an art class to 4th graders once a week at our local elementary. I have a passion for nature and art and often merge the two.”

Fatigue is one of the few symptoms which is experienced by most people living with multiple sclerosis. Fatigue is one of those “invisible” symptoms, so it can be harder to explain to others and its frequent or unexpected arrival can also make it challenging to manage.

As a member of the Client Services team, I often speak with people who are trying to “do it all” including running a family or maintaining a job (frequently both) in addition to managing MS symptoms. I am constantly amazed at the number of people who are successfully juggling fatigue into all the tasks of their day-to-day life.

Here are some tips which might be helpful for managing Fatigue:

Energy Conservation: schedule appointments or other big tasks for times of the day when you are typically more energetic.

If you work in an office, take short breaks throughout the day to: eat a snack, drink some water, and move around. If possible, you can try to schedule naps or rest periods into your day.

Talk to your doctor to see if the use of medication or caffeine may be helpful.

Possibly use Cooling products for fatigue related to heat sensitivity.

And my favorite tip:

Celebrate small victories by focusing on the things you did accomplish as opposed to those you did not.